Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government.
Latest action (Mar 18, 2026) — On the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95).
What it does
Congressional Research Service, Feb 25, 2026This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total federal expenditures for a year from exceeding the average annual federal receipts collected in the three prior years, adjusted for changes in the population of U.S. citizens and inflation. Expenditures for payment of debt and receipts derived from borrowing are excluded.
Under the amendment, Congress may authorize specific expenditures in excess of the limit with (1) a roll call vote of two-thirds of each chamber, or (2) a roll call vote for any year in which a declaration of war is in effect.
The amendment also prohibits any bill to levy a new tax or increase the rate of any tax from becoming law unless it has been approved by a roll call vote of two-thirds of the whole number of each chamber of Congress.
The requirements take effect in the fifth year beginning after ratification of the amendment.
Face Value
as reported to the HouseHow much of this bill its name accounts for.
- Every bill starts at100
- Nothing counted against it: one area of law, and short enough that length doesn't register.
Face Value measures reach, not honesty. A big bill can be accurately named, and a low score is not an accusation — it means the contents reach further than any short title could describe. Count it yourself ↗ How this is worked out
What Congress did
1 recordedOn decisive vote
House · Mar 18, 2026
A fast-track vote: no amendments, short debate, and two thirds needed to pass. Used for bills expected to be uncontroversial.
Discussion
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